“People protect what they love, and they love what they understand”— Jacques Cousteau

“People need connection to the ocean to care about it. BUEI connects caring with learning and doing”— Traci Burgess, CEO

When you live on an island, the ocean isn’t just scenery — it’s life. The ocean shapes Bermudian culture, supports biodiversity, drives our economy and connects us to the world. However, the ocean around Bermuda is changing rapidly and our ability to respond effectively must start with education.

Bermuda needs consistent, affordable and accessible programmes that promote ocean literacy, environmental education and climate action. From primary school to adult programmes, the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute provides opportunities for everyone to connect with the ocean, learn from it and act to protect it.

The ocean regulates Earth’s climate, accounts for 97 per cent of the planet’s water supply, produces 70 per cent of our oxygen, supports 350 million jobs and provides natural compounds for medicine. Humans are severely damaging the ocean and accelerating climate change. It is urgent that everyone understands what is happening to our ocean, why it matters and what we can do about it.

The United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation reports the ocean has absorbed more than 90 per cent of excess heat caused by greenhouse gas emissions, largely owing to burning fossil fuels for electricity and transportation. This heat absorption is driving sea-level rise, fuelling extreme weather events such as stronger hurricanes and bleaching coral reefs, which are vital for marine life to survive.

Small-island nations such as Bermuda are feeling this impact first-hand and vulnerable coastal communities are hit the hardest. Climate change threatens all forms of life, compromises coastlines and puts economic livelihoods at risk. Yet, the science behind climate change is often taught too late — or not at all.

BUEI’s year-round educational programmes offer proactive approaches that connect learning with doing while promoting our vision where the ocean around Bermuda is widely understood, appreciated and protected. In 2024, BUEI delivered more than 24,000 hours of educational programming through 5,750 encounters with public and private school students aged 5 to 22. Students engage in classes, labs, workshops and camps tailored to Bermuda’s public school curriculums, which is adaptable for private schools.

These are not just academic lessons; they are experiences that develop real-world projects bringing ocean literacy, environmental education and science to life — all tied to climate.

BUEI’s Youth Climate Summit launched in 2021 and focuses on climate justice, sustainability and conservation. It connects students aged 13 to 22 with local and international climate experts, global youth activists, corporate partners and non-governmental organisations. YCS provides a platform for Bermuda’s youth to find their voice and use it to advocate for a better future.

BUEI is honoured to serve as the national operator for two UN-affiliated environmental education programmes — Eco-Schools International and Young Reporters for the Environment.

Eco-Schools equips students with tools to take action in their schools and communities, and the results are significant — 18 of the 22 Eco-Schools clubs across Bermuda met their sustainability goals last year, including energy conservation, waste management, greening school grounds, and more.

Bermuda students have been shortlisted and placed in the global YRE competition for three years running. YRE is an international platform for youth to investigate and share solutions to environmental issues. BUEI’s YRE camps and workshops are supported by media professionals that help participants to develop a greater appreciation for the ocean, build new skills, and advocate for solutions to combat climate change and other environmental issues.

Learning is a lifelong journey and BUEI’s adult education blends Bermuda’s culture with science and interactive discussions about the ocean, environment and climate. BUEI Films, BUEI Talks and community events foster these conversations, and the Ocean Discovery Centre offers immersive exhibits and activities for all ages.

Education focused on the ocean, environment and climate builds strong community connections and shared responsibilities. When we understand science and its impact on our lives, we are more likely to become part of the solution.

Imagine a future where every child in Bermuda can explain why coral reefs matter, every family understand the environmental impact of their lifestyle choices, and every resident feels empowered to support climate priorities because they understand the stakes.

That future starts now.

Climate education is essential — not optional. The ocean has always been our greatest teacher. It’s time to connect with it, learn from it and take greater action to protect it. Individually, we can make a difference. Together, we can change the future.

• Traci Burgess is the chief executive of Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute and Summer Wood is the BUEI’s head of education. Visit BUEI.bm/education and YCSBDA.com for more information. This op-ed is part of the Third Sector Spotlight Series, a collective media campaign co-ordinated by the Non-Profit Alliance of Bermuda, which aims to raise awareness of the value, impact and contributions of Bermuda’s non-profit sector